Just days before leaving office, the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, bid farewell in tears during an emotional speech addressed to the nation.
After nearly a decade leading the country, Trudeau thanked Canadians for their support and reflected on the challenges and achievements of his administration.
"It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve this country. Although we face difficult times, we always seek the best for all citizens", he expressed with a choked voice.
"I have faced in years the victory of Donald Trump, a historic pandemic that occurs once every century, inflation crises, war in Ukraine, while the Middle East faces extraordinarily difficult situations. These have been complicated times. This is the job I was elected for. This is the job I will continue to do until the very last moment," Trudeau declared at his press conference held in Ottawa.
International media highlight that this was the first time the Canadian prime minister cried in public during a press conference.
"There is nothing that one government can do that cannot be undone by the next government, unless Canadians are very clear about the need to keep this going," the leader stated.
During his term, Trudeau implemented progressive policies, such as the legalization of cannabis and the promotion of diversity and inclusion. However, in recent years, his popularity declined due to economic issues, such as rising inflation and housing costs, as well as trade tensions with the United States.
The arrival of Donald Trump to the presidency of the United States has strained bilateral relations, especially after Trump threatened to impose tariffs of 25% on Canadian imports and suggested the annexation of Canada as an additional state of the union.
In this context, the Liberal Party of Canada is in the process of selecting Trudeau's successor. The main contenders are the former Governor of the Bank of Canada, Mark Carney, and the former Minister of Finance, Chrystia Freeland.
Internal polls indicate a slight advantage for Carney, who has focused his campaign on economic recovery and distancing himself from Trudeau's policies.
The new leader of the Liberal Party is expected to be announced on March 9 and will assume the role of Prime Minister at a critical time for the nation, with economic and diplomatic challenges on the horizon.
The opposition has already expressed its intention to present a motion of no confidence as soon as the new leader takes office, which could lead to early elections.
Meanwhile, Trudeau is preparing for his retirement from political life, leaving a legacy that has generated divided opinions among Canadians.
Frequently asked questions about Justin Trudeau's departure and the political situation in Canada
Why did Justin Trudeau decide to resign as Prime Minister of Canada?
Justin Trudeau decided to resign due to a sustained drop in his popularity and the stagnation of the Canadian Parliament. After nearly a decade in office, he acknowledged that the country is going through a critical moment and expressed his desire to make way for renewed leadership within the Liberal Party of Canada.
What were the notable achievements and challenges during Justin Trudeau's term?
During his term, Justin Trudeau implemented progressive policies such as the legalization of cannabis and the promotion of diversity and inclusion. However, he faced significant challenges such as inflation, the rising cost of housing, and trade tensions with the United States. Additionally, his administration had to deal with global events such as the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and tensions in the Middle East.
Who are the main candidates to succeed Justin Trudeau as leader of the Liberal Party?
The main candidates to succeed Justin Trudeau are former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney and former Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland. Mark Carney holds a slight advantage, focusing his campaign on economic recovery and distancing himself from Trudeau's policies. The election of the new leader is expected on March 9, 2025.
How has the relationship between Canada and the United States been affected during Trudeau's administration?
The relationship between Canada and the United States has been strained by trade issues, particularly due to tariff threats from Donald Trump. Trump even proposed the annexation of Canada as the 51st state of the U.S., which was emphatically rejected by Trudeau. The tensions have also included the imposition of tariffs and discussions about fentanyl trafficking.
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